Matthew Knies emerged as a true breakout star for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Knies now operates as the bridge between the team’s pressure-packed win-now window, and an uncertain future. The 22-year-old was stapled to Toronto’s first line for the past two seasons and when Auston Matthews returned to the lineup on January 4 against the Boston Bruins from an unspecified upper-body injury, it was clear that Knies was the greatest beneficiary. Knies recorded the first hat-trick of his career and his second goal against the Bruins was truly beautiful.

Knies would complete his hat-trick later in the third period, as Matthews won a puck battle against Charlie McAvoy, then found Knies out-front who one-timed a rocket into the net.

“I’m happy for him,” Matthews said of Knies post-game. “He played awesome and got rewarded for a great game, all-around, both ends of the ice. I think tonight he really showed the potential that he has. He’s just going to continue to get better and he’s a big part of our team. This was a huge game tonight, it’s a big confidence boost for him.”

Knies was awarded the team belt, given to the best or most impactful player in a Leafs’ winning effort, posing alongside Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty. Throughout the game, Knies showed off his unique combination of size, speed and physicality and displayed constant improvement in all facets throughout the year. This was a breakout performance of sorts for Knies, who is perhaps the lone member of the Leafs expected to take another leap entering the 2025-26 campaign.